How can I funk/edgy up this dress a bit?

[PolkaDottyRose]

I bought this dress a few years ago, and have never worn it..It's a lovely dress, really good quality, fits beautifully etc (from La Redoute) and I do love it..but.. I guess I worry that it's a bit frumpy maybe? not sure..anyway, I would like to wear it to a Christmas event this year if possible..can you think of any way I could make it a bit more edgy? The only thing I can think of is a fur gilet and some non obvious boots..but I'm a bit hopeless..all help very welcome before I give up and try and sell the dress.

Jewellery? A nice cream or blue bracelet comes to mind!

Biker jacket?

What sort of event is it? A party or a daytime thing?

I would wear white heels and silver jewellery.

I think a biker jacket would definetly make it more edgy!
I like your idea of a fur gilet and some tan boots. Very 70's retro.

Lovely dress and very feminine. I think go a bit grungy with accessories - leather biker and trainers or boots. Depends on degree formality of Christmas do to know whether that would work.

It's an evening Christmas party in an Army mess..some will wear something posh (ish), some won't..there is always a bit of a mix...I usually do my own thing as I'm not glam like they are glam (I don't do high heels and nails and stuff..and I don't try anymore because I really can't do it..it's just not me..)..I usually wear some variation on a Lindy Bop dress and try and be myself that way..so I'm not too bothered if I " don't fit in " because I don't really anyway..but I don't want to look like a total plonker...A biker jacket would be great..hmm..what kind of boots do you think?

The men are to wear suits with Christmas jumpers, so it's not as formal as all that really..but the ladies are glam mostly...but that's just their style rather than a prerequisite.

Heeled black suede ankle boots would be nice and you can wear funky tights if you fancy - fishnets or coloured or whatever, only a bit will show so it’s not OTT...

Pufffy petticoat underneath? Like a netted one to make it stick out a bit?

Chunky black crystal necklace and bangle?

I do have heeled black suede boots, both ankle and knee high, middling high heels, chunky..which do you think? have a black necklace too..

Gorgeous dress, definitely not frumpy. Very on trend to be fair. I’d wear this with black boot - probably a block heal - I’d opt for mid calf length but actually ankle or knee height would work too. I wouldn’t go for much accessories as you don’t want to pretty it up. As PPs have said, a biker jacket will be fab with it.

A really good bra, a tight fitted dark denim jacket, lots of silver bangles and red nails and lips, amazing perfume and a big glass of wine.

What kind of event?

I’d team it with Chelsea boots and a leather jacket. If long hair, slick into a ponytail and wear strong red lips or if shorter hair I’d toss it boho style.

It is a lovely dress and one I’d never consider frumpy unless you wear it with a cardigan!!!

I agree, nothing pretty. I was think of this kind of thing...

A cardi would ruin it.
If it's cold in the daytime, it would look good with a thin polo neck underneath, boots like the picture and one of those floppy brimmed hats like a 60's chick.

I think I’d put a silver studded, black leather ‘biker’ belt with it. Or a similar ‘Cowboy’ one. With very pointed but heeled ankle boots. With a long black shearling gillet and ‘hippy’ 70’s earrings.

Such as these...

Gotta be a leather biker and heeled ankle boots. Shedload of bangles - leather ones and silver or pewter.

I'm looking at Biker jackets! I also have a grey canvas military style jacket, what do we think about that? There is grey in the dress, also have grey suede (not flat) ankle boots..They could be nice with black fishnet tights? Off to look at the gilets. Thank you all, please keep helping.

I like the sound of your grey jacket and the grey suede boots. A biker would look good but it might be a bit hot at a party? Anyway, have fun with it and don't be afraid to wear it and be a bit different.

I ordered a leather jacket last night, and it's come today..oh my goodness, it's lovely! but how do I convince OH that it's " essential "

Would these be funky enough to wear with the dress and biker jacket? I have longer sock type black boots, but then you won't see the fishnet tights. If these aren't ok can you suggest some? can't be stillettos as I can't walk in them, sadly. Can walk in a kitten heel.

Or these?